Bupa launches most extensive mental health cover available for businesses

In an industry first, leading healthcare provider Bupa is launching Business Mental Health Advantage– the most extensive mental health cover for busin

In an industry first, leading healthcare provider Bupa is launching BusinessMental Health Advantage– the most extensive mental health cover for businesses and their employees. From 1 April it will provide employees with support and treatment to manage all* long-term mental health issues.

Bupa is launching it in response to increasing demand from businesses for mental health support.

The new policy provides cover for mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar and anxiety. It also includes those that are typically excluded such as alcohol and drug abuse. The removal of time limits on treatment for mental health conditions also offers businesses and their employees with peace of mind that individuals can seek help if their condition returns. Bupa is also providing ongoing support for the monitoring and maintenance of diagnosed mental health conditions, to help employees manage their condition and prevent worsening symptoms.

Over the last decade Bupa has seen the number of employees claiming for mental health treatment double and research shows that poor mental health costs employers between £33 billion and £42 billion a year, or over £1,000 per employee per year.1

Alex Perry, CEO, Bupa Insurance UK, said: “Mental health is one of the biggest people issues that businesses – big and small – face today. This launch makes it possible for business leaders to provide better support for their colleagues.”

In addition to the Business Mental Health Advantage, Bupa’s existing mental health benefits and services includes a self-referral service which allows employees to speak to a specialist consultant without needing a GP referral. Bupa also offers digital tools to help line managers and employees manager their stress and boost their resilience. Fast access to a wide range of online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programmes is also available 24/7, through Bupa’s wellbeing and mental health support service.

The Government is calling on businesses to provide more support for employees struggling with mental health issues. Industry figures show that mental health is now the most common reason for someone to be signed off, with 70 million working days lost each year as a result.

Alex Perry continues: “We have been at the forefront of supporting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Our new business mental health advantage offers leading cover and ease of access, and businesses that go with Bupa can be confident that their people can have access to the right support and care when they need it.”

Key features of the new policy include:

Extending the mental health conditions covered – cover all mental health conditions, including conditions insurers typically exclude such as alcohol and drug abuse. Cover for mental health conditions even if it is connected with a condition we don’t cover e.g. anxiety as a result of sleep disorder, even though sleep disorders are not covered.

Removal of the time limits on treatment for mental health conditions – employees have access to medical treatment and support if their condition comes back.

Ongoing support – employees diagnosed with mental health conditions will be provided with help to manage their condition and prevent worsening symptoms. For example, if an employee’s treatment involves ongoing, daily medication, they will have regular reviews to ensure they are on the most effective and appropriate treatment. If there is a clinical need, employees can have a follow-up appointment with a consultant psychiatrist.

Stuart Scullion, Chairman of the Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries (AMII) commented: “There are businesses across the UK that want to create a work culture where their employees feel comfortable to start a conversation around mental health. This launch from Bupa puts employee support front and centre, and for the first time, UK businesses can be confident they’re providing their employees with access to first class mental health benefits and service, whenever they need it.”